iPhone 18 Pro Starting at $1,399?
According to analyst Jeff Pu's predictions, rising memory costs could lead to a nearly 24% price increase over the previous generation.
According to analyst Jeff Pu's predictions, rising memory costs could lead to a nearly 24% price increase over the previous generation.
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be unveiled as early as September 2026, but those planning an upgrade should brace for a significant dent in their wallets. According to a note released by tech analyst Jeff Pu, the starting price for the new model could be at least $1,399.
This forecast comes amid rising costs for memory components, which already forced Apple to increase prices on most of its Mac and iPad lines back in June 2026. While iPhones and Apple Watches were spared at the time, it seems the new smartphone models will bear the brunt of this price increase.
For comparison, the current iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 for the standard size, while the Pro Max variant starts at $1,199. If Pu's predictions hold true, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could range between $1,449 and $1,499, representing a cross-generational price jump of roughly 24 percent.
The iPhone price hike is part of a broader industry trend. Jackie Thomas, hardware editor and buying guides lead at IGN, notes that this year has already brought higher prices in the smartphone market. Last month, in July 2026, Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which came with a $100 price increase over its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 7. At the same time, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 was introduced with a less capable camera system and a new design, which, despite being positioned as the "more affordable" option, started at $1,899.
The price surge isn't sparing gaming hardware either. This August, the Xbox Series X saw a price increase to $799, and engineers at Valve have warned that RAM prices will continue to climb, forcing the company to launch its Steam Machine at a premium price. All of this suggests that the memory shortage, fueled by the development of artificial intelligence, is a key driver of inflation in consumer electronics.
Although rumors have long circulated that Apple might unveil its first foldable phone this year, given current pricing trends, such a device would almost certainly carry an exceptionally high price tag.
